Quick Links

Exercise Sciences

Program Overview

The field of exercise sciences is interdisciplinary. All degree programs are for students interested in research, academic, and professional careers relating to:​

Applied/exercise/environmental ph​ysiology

Biomechanics and ergonomics

Health-care provision as a kinesiologist

Metabolic and endocrinological aspects of physical activity

Motor control and motor learning

Muscle physiology

Physical cultural aspects of sport and physical activity

Physical fitness and athletic strength and conditioning

Psychological aspects of sport and physical activity

Psychophysiological aspects of exercise and stress

Women’s health and physical activity.

Quick Facts

Domestic

International

Application payment deadline

PhD:

15-Jan-20

MSc:

3-Feb-20

MPK:

16-Mar-2020

PhD:

15-Jan-20

MSc:

3-Feb-20

MPK:

16-Mar-2020

Supporting documents deadline

PhD:

15-Jan-20

MSc:

3-Feb-20

MPK:

16-Mar-2020

PhD:

15-Jan-20

MSc:

3-Feb-20

MPK:

16-Mar-2020

Minimum admission average

PhD:

A-

MSc:

B+

MPK:

mid-B average in the final year

PhD:

A-

MSc:

B+

MPK:

mid-B average in the final year

Direct entry option from bachelor's to PhD?

PhD:

No

PhD:

No

Is a supervisor identified before or after admission?

MSc, PhD:

Before

MSc, PhD:

Before

Is a supervisor assigned by the graduate unit or secured by the applicant?

MSc, PhD:

Applicant

MSc, PhD:

Applicant

Program length (full-time only)

MSc:

6 sessions

PhD:

4 years

MPK:

4 sessions

MSc:

6 sessions

PhD:

4 years

MPK:

4 sessions

Master of Science​

Program Description

The MSc program is intended to broaden students' understanding of the various interdisciplinary aspects of the exercise sciences as well as to provide them with the necessary scholarly and technical research skills so that they may pursue a high-quality research project.

The MSc program can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

An appropriate Bachelor of Physical Health Education, Bachelor of Kinesiology, or its equivalent from the University of Toronto or from another recognized university.

A background in physical education and health or a discipline compatible with the​ research interests and interdisciplinary nature of the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education is preferred.

An academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto B+ (76% to 79%) in the last five full-course equivalents of relevant, senior-level courses.

Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduate from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The Faculty prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

​​​​paper-based test: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

Internet-based test: 100/120 overall and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

Program Requirements

Coursework. Successful completion of 2.0 full-course equivalents (FCEs) as follows. All courses must be approved in advance by the student's supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

​​​0.5 FCE in Exercise Sciences

0.5 FCE Statistics or Methodology course

1.0 FCE from either Exercise Sciences or another department

SRM 3335H+, a graduate seminar in Exercise Sciences (0.0 FCE).

A thesis written under the supervision of a thesis committee and its oral defence before an examination committee.

The student's annual program plan must be approved by the supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

Program Length

Time Limit

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

​Doctor of Philosophy​

Program Description

Doctoral students are encouraged to develop a program of study that will enhance their basic understanding of critical areas of study within exercise sciences and have a direct impact on their research program. Students are also expected to further develop their scholarly and technical research skills so that they may pursue a high-quality research project.

The PhD program can be taken on a full-time or flexible-time basis.

PhD Program

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

A master's degree from the University of Toronto or a recognized university. Formal graduate training in exercise sciences is preferred.

Successful defence of a master's thesis at a recognized university.

An academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– (80% to 84%) in the master's degree completed.

A potential supervisor identified from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. A supervisor is not required at the time of application, but applicants are encouraged to begin their search early. See the full list of faculty members. Only applicants who have a supervisor will be admitted to the program.

Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The Faculty prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

​​​paper-based test: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

Internet-based test: 100/120 overall and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

All courses must be approved in advance by the student's supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

The student's annual program plan must be approved by the supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Writing of a thesis under the supervision of a thesis committee (supervisor plus at least three additional faculty members) and its defence before an examination committee appointed by the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.​

Program Length

4 years

Time Limit

6 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.

PhD Program (Flexible-Time)

Minimum Admission Requirements

Applicants are admitted under the General Regulations of the School of Graduate Studies. Applicants must also satisfy the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences' additional admission requirements stated below.

A master's degree from the University of Toronto or a recognized university. Formal graduate training in exercise sciences is preferred.

Successful defence of a master’s thesis at a recognized university.

An academic standing equivalent to a University of Toronto A– (80% to 84%) in the master's degree completed.

A potential supervisor identified from the Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. A supervisor is not required at the time of application, but applicants are encouraged to begin their search early. See the full list of faculty members. Only applicants who have a supervisor will be admitted to the program.

Proficiency in the English language must be demonstrated by all applicants educated outside Canada whose primary language is not English and who graduated from a university where the language of instruction and examination was not English. The Faculty prefers the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with the following minimum scores:

paper-based test: 600 with 5 on the Test of Written English (TWE) and 50 on the Test of Spoken English (TSE)

Internet-based test: 100/120 overall and 22/30 on the writing and speaking sections.

Program Requirements

With the approval of the Director, Graduate Studies, some applicants may be admitted to a flexible-time PhD program. This program will benefit mature students with career and/or familial obligations.

Degree requirements for the flexible-time program are identical to those listed above for the full-time PhD program; however, students have up to eight years to complete the program.

All courses must be approved in advance by the student's supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

The student's annual program plan must be approved by the supervisor and the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

Successful completion of a comprehensive examination.

Writing of a thesis under the supervision of a thesis committee (supervisor plus at least three additional faculty members) and its defence before an examination committee appointed by the Graduate Department of Exercise Sciences.

Oral defence of the thesis before an examination committee approved by the School of Graduate Studies.

Flexible-time students must register full-time for the first four years of the program. Thereafter, they may register part-time.

A plan of study and research activities will be negotiated at initial registration, to be reviewed and updated annually.

Program Length

6 years

Time Limit

8 years

+ Extended course. For academic reasons, coursework is extended into session following academic session in which course is offered.